Mother of girl attacked by pit bull feels 'defeated'

Published 12:00 am, Tuesday, June 29, 2010

MIDDLETOWN - After a civil hearing held Monday in New London Judicial Court, the mother of an 11-year-old girl mauled by a pitbull is not receiving the justice she thinks she deserves.

"She is feeling very, very defeated," Melissa Smith, a family friend, said of the girl's mother.

On the evening of May 15, Thomas Sheehan was allegedly hosting a family party when his daughter was viciously attacked by an unleashed pit bull, belonging to the son of Sheehan's live-in girlfriend.

Court records show that Merryll Simon-Macek and Sheehan, the divorced parents of the 11-year-old, reached an agreement "not to sell, encumber or otherwise convey the property of 331 Timber Ridge Rd." in Middletown.

The judge also issued no court order against Sheehan, maintaining his right to mandatory visitations.

The 11-year old suffered severe injuries from the attack including five deep lacerations and two puncture wounds under the jaw. Three-fourths of the girl's right eyelid was also ripped off.

She was admitted to the Connecticut Children's Medical Center after the incident and received facial reconstructive surgery. Skin from the girl's temple area was used to recreate the missing eyelid, Macek said.

Police did not call the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF), according to a statement given by both Smith and Macek. In the police report issued by the Middletown Police Department, DCF was called. DCF has not returned any phone calls concerning this matter.

As a result of the incident, the girl is allegedly experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and "does not want to see (her father)," Smith said. "She will be scarred for life."

According to Smith, Macek was not able to appear in court, herself. Instead, her attorney, James Hall was present on her behalf.

"Merryll had to make a decision between bringing (her daughter) to the hospital or showing up in court," Smith said. "She chose to bring (her daughter) to the hospital."

Smith also said that Macek, advised by her attorney, is unable to speak to the press. Both Macek and Hall could not be reached for comment. Sheehan could also not be reached for comment.

According to Connecticut court records, Sheehan has no prior criminal record. As of now, no additional court dates have been set.

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"It's because of this that little girls like (her) go through life damaged," Smith said.